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Knutsford’s Webb Wins in Portugal

Knutsford-based Formula Renault driver, Oliver Webb (17), scored his first victory in a Formula Renault* at the Jerez circuit in Portugal on Sunday.

Webb had started at a disadvantage, with many of the local competitors having raced at Jerez several times before. But with confidence high, Webb stormed through testing and then set times quick enough for pole position in race two and second in race one. Webb would have had a double pole, but one of the Italian runners was permitted to use the engine from his national series, which has 12 horsepower more than the Portuguese or British Formula Renault engine.

In race one the Italian CIG car (with the more powerful engine) got off the line rather too quickly, jumping the start. Webb also got off the line well as did Fortec teammate James Calado, but the Cheshire based racer got to the first corner in the lead. From there Webb was pushed hard, but his steely determination and fast, consistent driving kept him out in front.

After getting his first victory in the Formula Renault Series, Webb was elated, commenting: “I am so pleased to chalk up my first victory of 2008, I have been close a few times and it is so good to finally climb on the top step of the podium. This is fantastic preparation for next season; I just wish it started now rather than in 2009. This result and the good performances at Rockingham will be great motivation for those long hours of physical training over the winter.”

Pole position and a victory in race one meant Webb had all the confidence he needed going into the second race of the Jerez weekend. Webb got off the line well, but was quickly under pressure from the CIG car, which had again jumped the start. The CIG car then put Webb on the grass and then locked up nearly taking out Webb’s teammate Calado in the process. Webb stayed first until turn three when he made a mistake and Calado found a way past, despite Webb’s defensive tactics. Unfortunately while Webb was thinking about getting the lead back, the CIG car went straight over the kerbs at turn four and hit Webb’s car, immediately ending his race.

The Formula BMW graduate has just completed his first season in the British Formula Renault Championship. Webb has targeted winning the championship in 2009 and to that end has contested the British and now the Portuguese Formula Renault Winter Series to stay sharp for next season. Webb will contest two further rounds at Estoril next weekend and is aiming to take home the Portuguese winter championship where he currently lies third.